Surprise...

When I bought this fabric it was meant to be used for a class project my daughter had to create for her history class. After I purchased the fabric and saw how beautiful the print was and how much it cost, I decided I had to use it on one of my new creations. While in my studio, I was glancing at a quilted tote bag that I have and decided to see how hard it would be to design one. Well, that was the only inspiration I needed! To work I went and I was able to put this bag together in a couple of hours. I was really SHOCKED and PROUD of how it turned out. I was so excited that I decided to BLING the label too.

I gave this bag as a present and my friend LOVED it!

This was the last project I designed in December 2011.

2012 ~ HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

As promised earlier, these are some of the projects I worked on in 2011. I cannot even begin to IMAGINE what new projects I am going to venture on in 2012. I do know now, after reflecting this evening that I have to make it a point to log on weekly and post all the projects I am working on. I know there are a lot of blogs that offer valuable information. I will be taking advantage of those resources a lot more this year. I hope you all enjoy the creations I have posted.

May 2012 bring you and your family great health, happiness and much success. Claim It and GOD BLESS!

Father's Day Grill Apron for my Hubby

Since my husband loves to grill, my daughter and I wanted to make a personalized grill apron for my husband. I had a lot of fun working on this project. I plan on adding pictures to the apron of events we have in our home that are of memories we do not want to forget.

I will keep you posted!

Pillow and Lap Quilt for Mama Rosa

Mama Rosa's 80th Birthday!
~God Bless You~

One evening my grandmother called me and asked that my daughter make her a pillow so she can use it to rest her arm while sleeping on the hospital bed. Jessie made her the pillow and I helped her personalize it. We gave it to Mama Rosa and she was so happy that her great-grand daughter made it for her. Jessie was really happy to share that moment with Mama Rosa!

Unfortunately, it has been a very emotional year for me. My grandmother, who raised me has been struggling with health issues for the past year and has been in and out of the hospital. Due to the severity of her health conditions we are now taking it one day at a time and enjoying each moment we have together.

While visiting her one afternoon she requested I make her a lap quilt to match the pillow my daughter Jessie made her. She said she wanted the lap quilt so when visitors came to see her she can cover her lap and legs and still look beautiful. : ) Since she requested these colors and wanted hearts and flowers I found this colorful and lively pattern. Needless to say, I went home and made it.

During my next visit to see her I gave the lap quilt and when she saw it she had such a beautiful smile of joy and gratitude. I owe her my life because without her and my grandfather, I would not be the woman I am today. I love you Mama!

PEACE Tote Bag

My daughter Jessica saw a tote bag at one of the sewing stores I frequent often. She asked me if I would make her one. She chose the material and colors of the screen and I made the tote bag just for her. She loves it! Every time she uses it people ask her where did she buy it. She smiles…looks at me… and says “My mami made it!” Now that is priceless!!!

Christmas Stocking – Crazy Quilting

While looking through magazines, books and the Internet, I found myself intrigued with crazy quilting. I took another class over the summer and designed this stocking. Although it was hard because of the various layers of materials I had to use, it was the BEST experience yet! I am really proud of this work of art.

iPad Cover for my Husband – Sgt. Leon

I wanted to make something special for my husband and decided that I could challenge myself one more time and attempt to make him a personalized iPad Cover. Well, I attempted it and this is what I made. I honestly must say … I don’t know why this newly found talent of mine was dormant for so long but I am glad it surfaced.

Betsy, I must thank you for having FAITH in me!

I Took A Fun Class Over The Summer… Awesome!!!!

My iPad Cover
I enrolled to take a class over the summer and I created an iPad cover. When they gave me the kit to look at … I have to say I thought I was CRAZY for attempting to do this project. Well, although it was quite challenging it was an amazing learning experience for me.

Nook Cover
My friend Maritza took this class with me and instead of making an iPad Cover the instructor was able to get the dimensions of the Nook and she made the cover for my daughter. I was really proud of her! It was her first time sewing and she did a beautiful job creating the cover. When Maritza gave it to Jessie, she was really surprised and thrilled.

Necklaces
After I finished my iPad Case they taught me how to make a necklace using seasonal fabric. It was interesting to make but I must admit that if I had the opportunity to select the material and embellishments that I would have liked, it would have looked very differently. The experience was well worth it though!

Memory Pillow

I made this memory pillow for Nancy to give to one of her students. This student was very special to Nancy and she always brightened up her day. Nancy said when she presented this student with this memory pillow she was speechless. This was the first time I ever made a pillow such as this one. I am glad I put a smile on both of their faces.

Memory Quilt – Student Accomplishment

I made this memory quilt for one of my students. She was on the weightlifting team and although it was quite challenging for her she rose to the occasion. It took me approximately two weeks to make and I finished it during Mother’s day weekend to have it ready to present to her that following week. I presented her with the memory quilt after school in the weightlifting room along with her coach, her mother, our 10th grade administrator and her peers. I was truly proud of her!

Bee Wallets for Nancy

Nancy was going to have a meeting and wanted to give her attendees something a little extra special. I designed approximately a dozen of them and then we had to go SHOPPING to fill up the wallets with goodies. We had a lot of fun making them!

Pencil Case and Wallet for my Daughter

I made these wallets for my daughter to use for school. Well, I was not expecting that they would become popular with her friends and found myself making several for her to give to them as presents. This was a neat experience!

Betsy, thanks for teaching me how to make these wallets!

Nancy & Steve’s Memory Quilt

I made this memory quilt for Nancy & Steve and gave it to them as a Valentine’s day present February 2011. This memory quilt took quite some time to complete because I had to find the perfect photos and bible scriptures. It was also the first time I incorporated Applique to one of my memory quilts. I then decided to BLING it out to add that extra special touch! I must say they were truly touched when I gave it to them.

My Creative Journey Continues To Flourish

WOW! 2011 has definitely been an interesting year. Although I have not posted for several months, when my scheduled has permitted I have continued to explore and design new creations.

Betsy, I promise you will be very surprised! Cinzo was very impressed when she came over and saw my new design studio. You will be very proud and maybe even shocked! I have totally left my comfort zone and have worked on a variety of projects that I would have never thought I could accomplish almost two years ago.

My goal is to post all the creations I have designed throughout this year and post them by tomorrow evening. All of my creations have a story to tell. This is a reflection of what I have accomplished throughout 2011!

Christmas Placemats and Napkins for the Lastra Family

I designed these placemats for a friend of mine. I went the extra step and monogrammed their last name on the placemat. I personally feel they came out beautiful. May they enjoy them for many years to come! God Bless!!!

Placemats and Napkins

This was definitely a skill I wanted to learn. I love to be able to decorate my home in a way that it is elegant yet inviting. Although this took a lot of work, the end result was well worth it. Now, I have created an heirloom that my daughter will have to remember her mother by. I love you Jessie!!!

Memory Quilt for The Cruz Family

This is a memory quilt I made for our dearest and closest friends ~ They have been more than a family to us. This memory quilt is representative of all the wonderful achievements our children have made and memories of a lasting friendship. May God continue to bless us. We love you!

My Messenger Bag

I decided to make this Messenger Bag while taking individual sewing classes with an instructor. I could not believe how much time and effort it took to select the materials, cut out the patterns, and begin putting it together. Although it was very complex to make, I am really pleased with the final product. I never imagined that I could make a bag!

Father's Day Present for my husband

I made this Lion using Yo-Yo's for my husband. The reason I chose the lion is because our last name means Lion in Spanish. I figured he can put the Lion in his police car to keep him company. I am naming the Lion "My Guardian Angel".

Memory Quilt ~ Family Love

I decided to make a memory quilt for my cousin Rozie's birthday present. It was surprising to see how hard it was trying to find family pictures, but finally we found the pictures we decided to use. I was very pleased with my final product. Savoring our family memories!!!